An estimated 750,000 people are jammed around Cape Canaveral and the surrounding towns of Florida for a glimpse of the final shuttle launch. The crowds are reminiscent of the people that gathered for the Apollo moon shots, just to be there to see history in the making. It may be the last space shuttle launch but it doesn’t mean you can’t go to the Kennedy Space Center there and get nostalgic about the space program that took astronauts to the moon.
Of course, the best time for truckers to try to go is during a slow season when there is less traffic. And yes, there really is truck parking at Titusville Exit 215 (SR50) off highway I-95 near Cape Canaveral. It is a little truck stop with a dirt lot that charges $5.00 per night and they also let you drop a trailer there. I was so grateful to find them there I was happy to give them the money and hope and pray that they stay in business.
From exit 215 travel (east) onto SR 50, then turn right (east) on to SR 405 and follow the signs for Kennedy Space Center. You will travel approximately 11 miles on SR 405. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is located on your right. They also have bus parking that can accommodate a truck at the Visitors Center and they were very kind about it.
The guards did warn us not to walk our little puppy dog by the canals that border the area; you never know when an alligator will be lurking there and jump out for a snack. They say that the biggest problem with the local alligators is during Shuttle landings. Before each Kennedy Shuttle landing, special crews have to clear the runway of all debris, including any alligators that might be sunning themselves on the runway surface.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open daily, except December 25 and on launch days; operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.. The U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame is open from 12 to 8 p.m. On space shuttle launch days, the Visitor Complex is only open to those who have purchased launch viewing tickets. We took the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour which starts at 10 a.m. and departs continuously every 15 minutes. Last tour departs at 4:45 p.m. running approximately 2 hours.
The exhibits, movies, interactive tours and even the gift shop made it a memorable stop and one that all those who enjoy outer space and dream about space travel should take the opportunity to see if you find yourself trucking down Florida’s I-95.
The NASA Kennedy Space Center launch headquarters is located on a huge wildlife refuge eight times the size of Manhattan and we also drove around the wildlife refuge to see the colorful and amazing water birds. Merritt Island’s National Wildlife area is home to more than 15 varieties of endangered wildlife and there are at least 5 active bald eagle nests around the Center. Again, the time to go is during the off season when a tractor truck is not going to bother the tourists, be considerate of others.
For a great steak dinner stop at the Durango Steak House Restaurant also located at Exit 215 just east of the truck stop at the Best Western. You can park in the lot next to McDonalds or walk from the truck stop. They also serve good fish and ribs but take a jacket; they have the air-conditioning on high in there. There is a Wal-Mart at this exit but crowded with also but there is not much room there for parking.
For truckers it is difficult to visit many sights that we drive by, but not impossible if we are careful not to damage property and are courteous of others. We should be able to enjoy one of the perks of the job, the occasional chance to see places that we many not otherwise have had the chance to see in our lifetimes.
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